Chapter 16


    The Magic Network of Lichten Academy, Kirtos.


    here are two ways to utilize Kirtos.


    One way is to use a typewriter-style bulletin board with papermonly called the pyrography board.


    Its a method used mainly when the cost of terminals to ess Kirtos is burdensome, or when you want to use it lightly outdoors.


    Of course, as the name pyrography board suggests, you cant use all of Kirtos functions with this method.


    Whoa


    The third-ce girls dormitory at the Academy.


    Lina Rosewell checked her watch, ncing at it.


    [20:45]


    Today was the day when four girls, regarding Ian, had agreed to have an anonymous meeting. The appointed time was approaching.


    Lets wait for 10 more minutes.


    In reality, Lina had been waiting for an hour.


    A chance to talk about Ian with others.


    Opportunities like this donte easily.


    Talking about Ian poorly outside could spread all sorts of strange rumors.


    Thats unreasonable.


    She wanted to avoid getting involved with Ian if possible.


    If she had wanted that from the beginning, she would have epted Ians confession.


    Its true that Lina had a good reputation, but she also had her limits.


    The existence of Ian was beyond those limits.


    Even the reason for saying harsh words to Ian when handing over the lunchbox was for that reason.


    Is it because of that, or is it because of the shock from falling from the rooftop?


    Perhaps it is Lina herself who is closest to Ian among the four involved.


    Perhaps among the four people involved, Lina was the closest to Ian.


    The fact that Ian had changed. At first, she could never admit it, but now it was different.


    She had witnessed Ians transformation with her own eyes.


    His personality and attitude havepletely changed.


    Above all, she was concerned about the sudden improvement in his skills.


    The better he did, the worse Linas own grades looked.


    If her grades dropped, her schrship would be in jeopardy. If her schrship was at risk, she couldnt afford the tuition at the Academy.


    That would mean expulsion.


    Its really dangerous.


    Lina felt the injustice.


    Lichten Academy had an obsessive focus on students grades, especially when it came to schrships.


    I cant even get a part-time job.


    She couldnt get a part-time job because of the conditions attached to her schrship.


    Growl


    Thats why Lina starved every day. Now that her only lunch supply had been cut off, it was even worse.


    Ah, seriously!


    Again, she thought of Ian.


    These days, Ian was at the end of every thought.


    Honestly


    Would the situation be better if Ian hadnte back?


    Would it have been better than it is now?


    Lina lightly bit her lip.


    [20:55]


    There are only about 5 minutes left.


    Time had passed, and there were only about 5 minutes left.


    Is it okay to connect now?


    A long, dark cloth was in her hand.


    The cloth was none other than the Kirtos ess terminal.


    Lina wrapped it around her eyes.


    Dark vision.


    She pushed elemental mana lightly toward the cloth, and the mana circuit of the terminal began to operate.


    [User confirmationplete.]


    [Connected to Kirtos.]


    [Anonymous Chat Room KEY confirmed.]


    Soon, her vision brightened.


    It was a kind of hallucination magic.


    Originally, she would havended in arge virtual square.


    That was the default setting for Kirtos ess.


    But when connecting to the anonymous chat room, it was different.


    A dressing room unfolded before Linas eyes.


    The room allowed her to customize her appearance.


    To ensure anonymity, various ornaments could be used to hide her appearance.


    Anyway, Kirtos avatars look different from original appearances, but


    Still, there could be clues in bodynguage or everyday habits.


    Lina hesitated for a moment, standing in front of a wall covered with masks.


    What should I choose?


    She picked up one of the masks.


    A virtual space resembling an infinitely luxurious mansion.


    In a space that was difficult to distinguish between indoors and a garden, there was arge donut-shaped table with a big hole in the middle.


    One wooden chair was ced in each cardinal direction.


    Already upying three positions were the Crown Mask in the north, the Bandage Mask in the west, and the Rabbit Mask in the east.


    Creak


    Their attention was focused on the sound of the door opening at the entrance.


    A person wearing a Leaf Mask opened the door and entered.


    Wee.


    The Queen Mask greeted the Leaf Mask with enthusiasm.


    The tone was somewhat unusual, but it was all part of the concept.


    Oh, hello?


    No need to be surprised. Dont worry; its just part of the act.


    Thats a relief.


    Before we continue, let me exin a few rules.


    The Queen spoke.


    Here, we hope that personal information that can reveal each others identities is hidden as much as possible.


    Oh okay.


    If possible, I rmend changing your tone like I do.


    Indeed, the Queen Masks tone was not ordinary.


    Even the crown decoration above her head was not ordinary. At least as far as it was known, there were no royals at Lichten Academy.


    Solid acting was evident.


    With a nod, the Leaf Mask took a seat in the remaining spot.


    The Rabbit Mask, observing this scene, asked a question.


    I dont understand why we have to gather like this anonymously. Even changing our tones.


    Hehehe.


    The Queenughed openly.


    The Rabbit Mask got agitated.


    Are you going to fight now?


    In the meantime, the Bandage Mask chimed in.


    I think I know.


    As the threes gazes converged, the Bandage Mask flinched for a moment but soon opened its mouth without difficulty.


    Among the four of us, there might be someone on Ians side.


    Hmm.


    Both of you, Rabbit Mask, and all of us need to do this to protect ourselves. Do you all know what was written in Ians s*icide notes?


    Hmm.


    Ian, who wrote that kind of note, has returned to the academy. We cant predict what he might do.


    The Bandage Mask spoke with a serious tone.


    Clearly, the contents of Ians notes were serious.


    Interpreting the contents of the note that suggested he jumped because they didnt ept his confession was chilling, no matter how you looked at it.


    Even for those who rejected the confession but were not disappointed in Ian, their remaining affection could not help but fall when they saw the notes.


    Ians notes were the adhesive binding the four of them together.


    All four nodded.


    Of course, this included the culprit who fabricated the notes.


    Bandage is right.


    The Queen spoke.


    All four of us here can be considered victims of Ians threatening s*icide attempt. And even before that, each of us had to endure Ians obsession.


    Thats true.


    Yes.


    The Queen looked around slowly.


    Her confidence was clearly felt in her demeanor.


    Therefore, we must drive Ian out of the Academy this time. Make sure he never sets foot in Lichten again.


    The Bandage Mask nodded, and the Leaf Mask appeared somewhat uncertain.


    The Rabbit Mask opened its mouth.


    What do you mean by that?


    In the future, there will be a disciplinarymittee and, before that, a pre-trial hearing. You all must have heard about it.


    Yes.


    Were here to coordinate our stories. So that he receives the appropriate punishment for his crimes.


    The Bandage and Rabbit Masks nodded.


    But the Leaf Mask appeared somewhat uneasy.


    The Queen asked.


    If you have any opinions, feel free to express them. After all, this is why we are here anonymously.


    After hesitating for a moment, the Leaf Mask cautiously spoke up.


    I, uh, dont think Ian is entirely to me for everything.


    Silence hung over the round table.


    Sharp gazes were directed at the Leaf Mask.


    Ah No, no, Im not defending Ian.


    Leaf Mask hurriedly rified, raising both hands.


    Then, what do you mean?


    I just find it hard to believe whats being suggested.


    Both the Queen and the Rabbit Mask muttered in confusion, and the Leaf Mask lowered their head slightly.


    Well, you see


    Interlude silence.


    Then, the Leaf Mask continued cautiously, their words measured.


    I think theres a possibility that Ian may not be the culprit.


    Silence hung over the round table. Sharp gazes were directed at the Leaf Mask.


    The Leaf Masks hesitant words flowed smoothly, much like an act:


    Of course, even though the possibility is exceedingly small, we shouldnt distort the results of the disciplinarymittee bying to an agreement together. If Ian is indeed at fault, the oue will be the same. Theres a high likelihood of that.


    It was a reasonable point.


    That makes sense.


    The Queen nodded.


    This was surprising to the Bandage and Rabbit Mask, as the Queen had been insisting on Ian thoroughly until now. They exchanged incredulous nces. The Queen shrugged.


    In any case, its a rational argument. Lets hear more from the Leaf Mask.


    The Leaf Mask continued with more confidence now.


    Moreover, there have been rumorstely that Ian has changed. What do you all think?


    It feels like there has definitely been a change.


    Bandage Mask muttered.


    Ive heard the same.


    The Queen added.


    Then, the Rabbit Mask, who had been silent, raised her hand.


    The Queen gestured for her to speak.


    Speak.


    I have a suspicion that Ian might have cursed us.


    Cursed?


    Both the Bandage and Leaf Mask eximed.


    I thought you all might have felt it too. Arent all of you famous for your abilities?


    At Rabbit Masks words, Bandage and Leaf Mask turned their heads.


    They looked somewhat embarrassed.


    The Queen smiled as she summarized the discussion.


    In short, there is a possibility that Ian has changed, but at the same time, it seems likely that he is causing harm to us. Although there is a chance that he may be innocent, if hes not, its a potentially malicious and worsening situation.


    Everyone nodded in agreement.


    Since we have some time, it might be worth considering how we can handle the situation together. Before that, if we can find any other evidence rted to Ian, it could change our direction.


    As the discussion had gone on for quite some time, it was gettingte.


    The proposal for the conclusion of their meeting was not a bad one.


    Everyone nodded in agreement.


    Just as they were about to adjourn and set the time for their next meeting.


    Oh, one more thing.


    The Queen opened her mouth as if she had just remembered something.


    Combat training for each ss will be scheduled soon. Its a fairly important event, so everyone sure is aware of it.


    Combat training.


    It was important training, with a significant stake in one semesters grade at the Academy.


    Keep an eye on Ian. This message is primarily for the members of the Mezai ss here. Well see if he has really changed during that training.


    Isnt that contradictory? If were not revealing our identities, wont that reveal our identities? Theres only one Mezai ss here.


    The Rabbit Masks words made the Queen chuckle.


    Hehe. Whos to say Im not from Mezai as well?


    And with that, the anonymous meeting came to a close.


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